Open Arms of Minnesota

Creativity and Construction

What is the relationship between creativity and construction? I find myself pondering this question when looking at the pictures from July 31 of the new building site. To me, the huge square shapes of the steel beams suggest a spacious art installation: gigantic picture frames capturing the trees and clouds and blue skies of the surrounding environment. Such serene images mask the flurry of activity that defines a construction site and its tightly choreographed collaboration of muscles and machines.

The walls are indeed going up, and the carpenters are getting down to business! This is the framing stage of construction. Wood framing works together with the structural steel to give shape and form to the building and on which the finish materials are applied (such as brick or burnished block on the outside, gypsum board on the inside). The bottom plate, called a sill plate, sets the base for the framing, and is capped by the top plate. To provide stability, the vertical pieces, called studs, are spaced evenly apart inside the sill and top plates. The gaps in between the studs serve useful functions, too. On the exterior walls, insulation is installed, while plumbing and electrical wiring will wind their way through the interior walls.

The photographs from August 11 show us two views of the interior partition wall that separates the kitchen from the entry way gathering area. The two carpenters are preparing to install a stud. In the upper photo, you will notice a significant space between two of the studs: this outlines the window into the kitchen, and comprises one of the most important design features of the new building. Because the kitchen forms the heart of what Open Arms is all about, everyone who enters the building will see the amazing work taking place in the kitchen.

Framing the kitchen in such a way is much more than a nice touch, however. In fact, it embodies the fundamental concept of openness that informs the new building’s design. As construction progresses, the kitchen will stand out as the building’s most vital space, accessible and visible from multiple vantage points. The centrality of Open Arms’ new kitchen is intended to mirror the experience we have when visiting the home of friends or loved-ones: we gravitate toward the warmth and creativity of the kitchen—where the action is—to chat, help out, and enjoy the sumptuous textures of cooking and sharing good food.

– Martha Mockus, Open Arms volunteer


More from Open Arms

Table For Ten Graphic

Table For Ten

Introducing Table For Ten: Shared Plates, Shared Purpose Open Arms of Minnesota is proud to launch Table for Ten, a new and intimate dining experience that supports our mission to nourish critically ill neighbors. For a donation of $2,500, groups of up to ten guests will enjoy a thoughtfully crafted dinner

Read More »
Minneapolis Picture

Minneapolis Mayoral Candidate Event Sept. 30

HOME, HEALTH, HOPE: Minneapolis Mayoral Candidate and Voter Education Forum Minneapolis is home to over 429,000 people whose cultures, values, and diversity make our communities stronger and more empowered. And we want it to keep it that way! That is why we want you

Read More »

Great Minnesota Bake Sale 2025

Open Arms Set For Second Annual Great Minnesota Bake Sale! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ethan Armstrong [email protected] Cell: 320-815-2351 Minneapolis, MN, [16 July 2025] – Open Arms of Minnesota is thrilled to announce that the second annual Great Minnesota Bake Sale will take place

Read More »

Moveable Feast 2025: The Show Goes On

No matter the challenges, Open Arms stands ready to face the future. Together, we will gather for a special production of Moveable Feast being held on Thursday, May 15 at the historic Hollywood Theater in Northeast Minneapolis. We hope you and your cast of characters will join us in support of our clients!

IN A CHAOTIC WORLD, WE CAN SHOW LOVE IN ACTION!

When life feels overwhelming, there’s one thing we can control: showing care, love, and compassion to one another. This February, Give from the Heart in honor or memory of someone special. Your gift will provide life-saving medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to someone facing a critical illness. We’ll send a heartfelt card to your honoree or their family, sharing your loving tribute.

Open Arms of Minnesota Earns Accreditation from Food Is Medicine Coalition

Open Arms of Minnesota, the Twin Cities-based non-profit dedicated to providing nourishing, medically tailored meals to individuals with critical illnesses, has earned accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC). This recognition places Open Arms among an elite group of organizations nationwide that have demonstrated a high standard of care in delivering medically tailored meals (MTM).

End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!